# How much does it cost to raise a child in the UK?

> Cost of · Last reviewed 26 May 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/cost-of/raising-a-child-uk/
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## In short

The Child Poverty Action Group's 'Cost of a Child' 2024 research put the basic cost of raising a child to age 18 at around £166,000 for a couple and £220,000 for a lone parent (excluding rent and childcare).

CPAG defines 'cost' as what families need to spend to reach a 'Minimum Income Standard' — a socially-acceptable basic standard, not a luxury one. Childcare and housing are excluded because they vary so widely.

Typical range: 166000–220000 £ (birth to 18, excluding rent and childcare)

## What makes up the cost

| Item | Range | Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Food (over 18 years) | £20,000–£28,000 |  |
| Clothing and footwear | £8,000–£11,000 |  |
| Childcare (typical, full-time, pre-school) | £8,000–£15,000/yr; falls sharply with new 30-free-hours rollout from Sept 2025 |  |
| School costs (uniform, trips, supplies) | £500–£1,500/yr |  |
| Activities and clubs | £200–£1,500/yr |  |
| Transport (added to household costs) | Variable |  |
| Holidays (added to household costs) | Variable |  |

## What changes the figure

- Whether childcare is paid (UK working parents on UC or tax-free childcare can recover much of this)
- Number of children (shared costs reduce per-child)
- Lone-parent households cost more per child (no economies of scale on housing, transport)
- Region (London adds materially to most costs)

## Ways to spend less

- Child Benefit is available to anyone responsible for a child; the High Income Child Benefit Charge applies above £60,000 (from 6 April 2024)
- Tax-Free Childcare and the Universal Credit childcare element cannot be claimed for the same period
- From September 2025, working parents in England can access up to 30 free hours of childcare for children from 9 months to school age

## Frequently asked questions

### Why is the cost higher for lone parents?

Lone parents miss out on economies of scale — only one set of working tax-free allowances, one wage, no shared transport/housing costs. CPAG's research consistently shows a 25–35% premium.

### Does the figure include university?

No — CPAG's figure runs to age 18. University adds tuition fees (loaned) and living costs.

### What support is available?

Child Benefit, Universal Credit childcare element, Tax-Free Childcare (TFC), Healthy Start vouchers (if you're on certain benefits with a child under 4), and Sure Start Maternity Grant in some cases.

## Sources

- [CPAG — The Cost of a Child](https://cpag.org.uk/policy-and-research/poverty-facts-and-figures/cost-child)
- [GOV.UK — Tax-Free Childcare](https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare)
- [GOV.UK — 30 hours free childcare](https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.